Defenders come to the fore

Strikers may get the goals and the glory, but many supporters voting in the club's Local Hero poll have recognised the key contribution made by the men at the back.

The man who has made more appearances for any other, Barry Jackson, is proving a popular choice along with Chris Topping.

Barry Swallow is also polling votes heavily, including that of Chris Cramer, of Stonebow, York. He writes: "I will always remember Barry Swallow as the skillful, dependable, inspirational leader of Tom Johnston's sides of the early 1970s. I have seen many fine players at City but this man, as player, caretaker manager, and director, is for me the best."

M C Ross, of Postern Close, York, is in no doubt who should be the overall winner.

"Local Hero? No contest. Snap him in two and he's lettered 'City' right through," he writes.

"York born and bred with chances to join bigger clubs before and while with City, but always refused to 'leave me mam's cooking'.

"A reserve who grabbed his chance when a big signing from Sheffield United (Howard Johnson) was injured in a public practice match. From there he went to make a record number of appearances. He knew no other than to give 100% effort and enthusiasm.

"Always and inspiration and encouragement to team-mates, reserves and 'A' team players, he had his footballing heart broken when City tossed him aside and his career ended almost straight away. Did he disappear? No fear. He took a job reading York electricity meters where he meets and greets fans with the same enthusiasm he showed on the pitch. Step forward City Local Hero - 'Big Jacko' - Barry Jackson."

Brian Cross, of Almsford Road, Acomb, also plumped for Barry Jackson.

"Barry always gave 101% in every game I saw him play in."

He also wins the vote of Cyril Carlton, of Buttermere Court, Flaxley Road, Selby.

"As a young fan I always visited Barry's sweet shop in Bootham. He always had the time for all York City fans and autograph hunters from visiting teams.

"He was a solid centre half. Forwards always had a tough time and so did his fellow players when things went wrong.

"After football Barry became a meter reader going about his work with that well known smile and a 'hello'. No City player gave more to the fans. A true defender who stayed loyal to City."

Loyalty is a theme picked up Ron Freeland and his wife, of Windmill Way, Haxby, who have chosen Chris Topping as their Local hero.

"We always liked Chris because of his loyalty to York City. He was also a local lad, brought up from the ranks. He was a great defender."

That theme is echoed by Paul Simpson, of Thornhills, Haxby.

"There have been more skilful players, but Chris Topping went as high as any York player, once reaching fifth in Division Two and Player-of-the-Year.

"He's a one-team man who still sits in the Popular Stand near me cheering on his York City. A true Yorkie."

Another York-born player to earn supporters' plaudits is full back Jack Pinder, who was the first player featured in our new 'Where Are They Now' series earlier this month.

"I have no hesitation in nominating Jack Pinder," writes Donald French, of Tang Hall Lane, York.

"Born in, and still living in the city, Jack, a one-club man, played 221 senior games for City in the period 1932 to 1948 having captained England Schools.

"Quicker than most full backs of his era, his sliding tackles had to be seen to be believed. Jack remained with City after his playing days were over, continuing to coach for many years."

Paul Egan, of Heworth Green, is also a big fan of Pinder's.

"At 86-years-old this player from yesteryear is a gentleman and a star. Even now people stop him and say 'Hey! Jack Pinder?'.

"He is a big celebrity in the Shoulder of Mutton at Heworth. Every Thursday and Saturday lunchtime he is there in his suit and dickie-bow tie telling young lads of today how to play.

"Not for money but for football, hard and fair. He's my true hero."

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